Founder's Stories Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
1920 ACE |
Collection |
Founder's Notes |
Object Name |
Articles |
Catalog Number |
2019.2.9 |
Scope & Content |
1920 ACE Tom and William Henderson began building 4-cylinder motorcycles in 1912, but sold the design and manufacturing rights to Excelsior Motor Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Chicago in 1917. William went on to start ACE Motor Corporation. In December of 1922, William Henderson died in a motor vehicle accident. He was soon replaced by Arthur Lemon, executive engineer. Within four years of Williams' death, the company was in serious trouble. ACE was unable to operate profitably, as there were accounting errors permitting retail sales of new ACE's below factory cost. By late 1926, the company had seen its last year. The ACE Company, factory, tooling, inventory, name, and design were sold to the Indian Motorcycle Co. of Springfield, Massachusetts. That following spring, the Indian company had catalogued and sold green ACE motorcycles. This represented the final stage of development of the formally independent Ace. Some interesting features ACE's have included were inside gas tank tool box and the double rear brake. The double rear brake means that there is a standard brake pedal on the right and an auxiliary pedal on the left that is controlled by heel. It is also worth noting the exhaust cut out, which adds a little more power and gives the bike more of a distinct exhaust tone. Engine: Air cooled, Inline 4 cylinder, F-Head Displacement: 77 ci - 35 HP Bore and Stroke: 2.7 x 3.25 inches Transmission: 3 Speed with Hand Shift Drive Train: Chain Carburetor: Schebler Ignition: Bosch Magneto Frame: Rigid Brakes: External-contacting Rear Brake Suspension: Leading-link, internal coil spring Specifications: Top Speed: 85-90 MPH Wheel Base: 59 inches Weight: 395 lbs. 1920 Prices: Average Income: $2,160 / 52 weeks = $41.54 New Car: $525 Gas per Gallon: $0.13 Price of Motorcycle: $375 |